Pilotage Plan: Delaware City, DE to Havre De Grace, MD
Route Overview This journey takes you from the historic Delaware City to the scenic town of Havre De Grace, a delightful trip of approximately 30 nautical miles along the pristine waters of the Delaware River and Upper Chesapeake Bay. Suitable for experienced boaters looking for a leisurely cruise, this route presents a wealth of navigational features, shelter bays, and captivating landmarks, all while ensuring safety is paramount.
Starting Point: Delaware City, DE At your departure from Delaware City, ensure that you check weather forecasts. The initial portion of your journey will take you through the channel leading out of the Delaware River. Make sure your navigation system is up to date and monitor channel markers closely, particularly as you exit into more open waters.
Notable Points of Interest While the primary focus is safe transit, taking time to appreciate the rich nature surrounding your route will enhance your experience. Right off the coast, you can spot the captivating views of Fort Delaware, a historic Civil War fortification that’s well worth a look through binoculars.
Route Itinerary 1. Delaware City to the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (C&D Canal): As you head south, you’ll make your way to the entrance of the C&D Canal. Be vigilant at the entrance where strong currents might be present, especially during tidal changes. The canal itself provides a calm passage and is well-maintained, with plenty of navigational aids. Pay attention to the speed limits here, as the C&D Canal is patrolled.
2. C&D Canal to Turkey Point: After navigating the C&D Canal, you will approach Turkey Point. The waters here can be tricky—especially during tidal shifts—so keep an eye on your charts. As you pass Turkey Point, you will see the historic lighthouse, a lovely photo opportunity.
3. Elk River and North East River: Just beyond Turkey Point, you can take a slight detour into the Elk River or North East River. These are excellent spots for a quick break or shelter from inclement weather. Although mildly populated, finding a secluded cove to drop anchor can provide comfort while you wait for a weather update.
4. Approaching Havre De Grace: As you make your way toward Havre De Grace, keep an eye out for the significant navigational aid known as the Susquehanna River entrance buoys, which will guide you into the harbor. You may also encounter fishing boats and recreational users, so stay alert and maintain a safe distance.
Shelter Points and Activities Along the Route
Navigational Considerations Utilize charts frequently throughout your journey, and it’s wise to keep a lookout for changing conditions and tidal currents, especially in the C&D Canal and near the Susquehanna entrance. Additionally, maintaining communication channels open (VHF Channel 16) can be both a safety measure and a great way to engage with local water traffic.
Local Regulations Be mindful of no-wake zones, particularly near marinas and developed areas, and observe any posted speed limits. Different marinas may have specific docking protocols which you should respect, particularly in Havre De Grace where there are active commercial and recreational boating interests.
Recommended Boating Apps Equip yourself with useful boating apps to enhance your experience and safety. Always download Savvy Navvy, an excellent app for planning routes and accessing real-time weather updates. Additionally, consider using:
This trip from Delaware City to Havre De Grace is a perfect combination of safety and enjoyment, allowing boaters to immerse themselves in a quintessential Mid-Atlantic experience, with numerous opportunities to explore and appreciate the coastal beauty while prioritizing a viable escape plan should conditions become unfavorable. Enjoy your journey!